Have you ever seen a group of mom’s working out at the park, with their babies in tow, and wondered what kind of a workout they were doing? Chances are you either cheered “Go ladies” or laughed at them doing squats while the babies cried in their strollers!
Either way, what they’re doing just so happens to be the latest craze in post-baby fitness. Stroller conditioning is an extremely effective way to lose weight, shape up post-baby and stay in shape thereafter!

One Denver-based fitness company called Hot Mamas Exercise, works with mother’s to get back in shape after having a child, and stay in shape for life. They are one of few companies that offer child care on-site so that moms can workout. Hot Mama’s live by the understanding that if you aren’t taking care of yourself, you can’t take care of your family the way you should. “Not only do you need to be physically strong and fit as a mom, you also need an emotional release to keep you sane,” says Teddi Bryant, founder and owner of Hot Mamas Exercise.

Stroller conditioning classes are a great way to get a full body workout without giving up precious time with your child. You don’t even need a jogging stroller, any stroller will do!

These classes are no walk in the park either (excuse the pun!). Classes combine leg work, core strengthening, plyometrics, upper body strengthening, balance, agility and lots of ab work.

Incorporate the following exercises into your stroller workout:

Walking Lunge: Place hands on the stroller in front of you and position your feet in a split stance. Leading with your chest, take as large of a step forward as possible. Lower into a lunge, contracting your butt and thighs. Lift up, bringing back leg forward and continue with the stepping lunge, alternating legs. Every step you take pull yourself up with your front leg. Careful to keep arms and wrists relaxed.

Stroller Push and Pull: Stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent. Place one hand on the stroller. Keeping core tight and hips square, reach the other hand directly over the head, pushing stroller away from you in one fluid motion. As you pull stroller back towards you, pull arm back, elbow leading and  squeezing on the opposite end.